autometer, electric or mechanical

R

Robuilt

Founding Member

Sep 7, 2001

306

0

16

McAllen, TX

Jan 21, 2004

#1

• Jan 21, 2004

• #1

This may sound or ignorant, but i really don't know exactly how this would work. I will be using a painless wiring kit (18 circuit) to rewire my 82. Now I will be replacing the stock 82 dash with one off of a 93. I will not able to use the stock gauges so I wanted to use a custom autometer gauge set up. Now can I use electric autometer gauges (for fuel, oil press, water temp, battery, tranny temp) or do I have to use mechanical gauges. I just don't like the idea of having to run braided lines with fluid running inside the car.

What do I need?

 

J

jerry beach

Founding Member

May 20, 2002

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Ocala,FL

Jan 21, 2004

#2

• Jan 21, 2004

• #2

Its really up to you. The electrics are easier to install too. I have manual in all my vehicles, but thats just what I prefer. Electric gas guage is the only way to go. You will need a sender thats calibrated for the guage in any case. I run a plastic capilary tube for oil pres. There is no braided stainless hose in my car. The manual temp is run off a capilary tube full of mercury, its basically a themometer. I like the accuracy and reliability of a manual guage, but others get by just fine with the easy install of the electrics.

 

Black 93 Fox

Active Member

Jun 1, 2003

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49

Vancouver,Washington

Jan 21, 2004

#3

• Jan 21, 2004

• #3

Sorry for jacking your thread put im also looking at a set of auto meter gauges. water temp...volt.....oil pres...fuel press. What is the diffrence from Electrical and Mechanical? Which one is better?

 

R

Robuilt

Founding Member

Sep 7, 2001

306

0

16

McAllen, TX

Jan 21, 2004

#4

• Jan 21, 2004

• #4

Ok, so them even with a non-computer controlled car like my 82, with redone painless wiring (basically non stock set up) then I can run electric gauges? What is the missing link/part inbetween my oil pan and my electric oil pressure gauge. How does the fauge get accurate info for the readout.

 

R

Robuilt

Founding Member

Sep 7, 2001

306

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16

McAllen, TX

Jan 21, 2004

#5

• Jan 21, 2004

• #5

Is there some type of sending unit that relays info to the gauge? I am just lost.

 

J

jerry beach

Founding Member

May 20, 2002

2,671

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46

Ocala,FL

Jan 21, 2004

#6

• Jan 21, 2004

• #6

Yes it has a special sending unit that comes with the guage. It varies the voltage delivered to the guage. Not really as accurate, and slower to respond to changes, but it gets the job done for most folks. Anything you buy new will come with instructions, if you want the easiest install, go with electric.

 

R

Robuilt

Founding Member

Sep 7, 2001

306

0

16

McAllen, TX

Jan 21, 2004

#7

• Jan 21, 2004

• #7

Perfect, thank you very much. Electric is all I need. Thanks

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Jan 22, 2004

#8

• Jan 22, 2004

• #8

Jerry is right on. additionally, autometer has full sweep electric gauges, which is real nice for arguably better accuracy. (thats for standard gauges like used in pods. i dont know about the ready made assemblies for the cluster, if thats the route you are goin to go).
good luck.